November 12, 2013

Live from the GM meetings: Rangers so far on Day 2

The news so far Tuesday from the Rangers didn't take place at the general managers meetings. They have hired former catcher Bengie Molina to be their first-base coach and catching instructor, a hiring that completes their coaching staff.

Bobby Jones, who was announced as a new member of the staff last week, will be the assistant hitting coach.

Molina was hired away from the St. Louis Cardinals. He was the assistant hitting coach and had the chance to be around little brother Yadier, who is widely regarded as the best defensive catcher in the game.

Bengie Molina finished his career with the Rangers, who acquired him from San Francisco on June 30, 2010, and he was their No. 1 catcher throughout their first run to the World Series.

He delivered a key three-run homer in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium, but his most memorable moment was hitting for the cycle July 16, 2010, at Boston.

The only unfinished business with the coaching staff is a contract extension for manager Ron Washington. GM Jon Daniels said that is being handled internally, and he offered no further comment.

Another former Rangers catcher, A.J. Pierzynski, was the GM meetings Tuesday. The Orlando resident had breakfast with White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf before stopping to speak with a couple reporters.

The free agent said that he is open to any team in 2014. Though he didn't say it, he doesn't anticipate returning to the Rangers. Instead, he could be headed to Philadelphia if the Phillies don't re-sign Carlos Ruiz.